Temperatures will remain well above normal across the country, reaching up to 51°C in Sindh and Balochistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Saturday that heat wave conditions were likely to develop over much of the country from June 7 to 12 as a high pressure system formed in the upper atmosphere, raising temperatures significantly above normal levels.
According to a weather advisory issued by the Met Office, the high pressure system was expected to develop on June 8 and persist until June 11, causing intense heat in several regions.
“From June 7 to 12, heat wave conditions are likely to develop in the country under the influence of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere,” the PMD said.
Read: PMD warns of a hot and dry June
The department warned that some districts of Sindh and Balochistan could experience extreme temperatures ranging between 48°C and 51°C during the forecast period.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, maximum temperatures were expected to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to 41-46°C in Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from June 8 to 11. Temperatures in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to range between 37 and 40°C from June 8 to 10.
The PMD said temperatures in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad could remain 5-7°C above normal, reaching 41-44°C from June 8 to 10.
Across Punjab, mercury levels are forecast to rise to between 44 and 48°C in Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah and Kot Addu from June 8 to 11.
The Met Office said temperatures in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo-Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to 48-51°C from 7 to 12 June.
Karachi is also expected to experience very hot weather during the forecast period, with maximum temperatures likely to range between 40 and 43°C from June 8 to 12.
The department noted that nighttime temperatures would also increase, which could increase discomfort and heat stress.
Read also: Dust storm and rain expected in upper parts of the country from June 2 to 5: PMD
“Due to intense warming, dust storm may occur at isolated places in southern Punjab and Sindh during the forecast period,” the advisory said.
Warning of the possible impacts of the heat wave, the PMD urged the population, particularly children, women and the elderly, to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and stay hydrated,” the department said.
Farmers were advised to plan crop-related activities according to the prevailing climatic conditions and take measures to protect livestock from heat-related stress.
The Met Office also warned that electricity demand and consumption was likely to increase during the period and appealed for sensible use of water in all aspects of life.
The PMD urged relevant authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any adverse situation during the heat wave. It added that daily weather updates would remain available through its official website and mobile app.
